EP considering sentences against Chiygoz, Umerov and Semena

MEPs are are drafting resolution on illegal sentences of the Crimean occupation authorities

KYIV (QHA) -

The European Parliament will discuss the situation with the verdicts passed in the annexed Crimea against the Deputy Chairmen of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people Akhtem Chiyhoz, Ilmi Umerov, and journalist Mykila Semena at the session on October 5, according to the agenda on the website of the European Parliament.

It is noted that the relevant issue was brought to the agenda by the MEPs on an expedited procedure. Following the discussion, a resolution from all political groups of European deputies is expected to be put to a vote.

Reference: On September 27, the Kremlin-controlled Simferopol district court of the Crimea sentenced one of the leaders of the Crimean Tatar national movement Ilmi Umerov to two years of the colony-settlement. He is also prohibited from engaging in public activities and speaking in the media for two years. Umerov was accused of public calls for separatism. He called the criminal case initiated against him politically motivated.

On September 22, the Simferopol Zheleznodorozhnyi District Court announced the verdict to Mykola Semena. The journalist was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment on probation, with a probation period of three years and a ban on engaging in public activities for three years. The Russian authorities accused Semena of publicly calling for violation of Russia's territorial integrity. The journalist stated that while writing his materials he exercised the right to "free will".

September 11, the Kremlin-controlled Supreme Court of the Crimea sentenced one of the leaders of the Crimean Tatar people Akhtem Chiyhoz to eight years in prison on charges of "organizing mass riots" that took place on February 26, 2014 during the rally of supporters of Ukraine's territorial integrity opposed by pro-Russian activists’ rally outside the building of the Verkhovna Rada of Crimea in Simferopol. Chiygoz rejected all charges against him and called the case politically motivated.